Glendale Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys

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What to Do If You Are Injured in an Uber or Lyft in Los Angeles

As more and more people in Los Angeles rely on rideshares, like Uber and Lyft, for transportation, the rate of rideshare accidents has increased. In California, as in other states, there are a number of laws regarding liability in Uber and Lyft accidents. The process of filing a claim can be complex and the amount your claim is worth will depend on numerous factors, including whether you were a passenger of the Uber/Lyft at the time of the accident.

According to a study by the University of Chicago and Rice University, there seems to be a direct correlation between the rise of ridesharing services and the increase of traffic fatalities. Statistics from this study were collected from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In many cases, you feel that choosing a ridesharing service is your safer option than perhaps driving yourself or riding with a peer. Because of this philosophy, if you are involved in a serious accident while in an Uber, Lyft, or another ride sharing vehicle, you are likely experiencing feelings of confusion and frustration.

The Glendale car accident attorneys at our firm have extensive experience handling these types of auto accident claims. We understand how to navigate the system and how to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed for your injuries and other losses.

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How Uber & Lyft Injury Claims Work

As previously mentioned, these types of injury claims are different than other car and motor vehicle accident claims. If you are injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft or are hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, your injury claim will likely be covered by the corresponding rideshare company’s insurance—not the actual driver. In fact, the driver’s personal insurance policy will almost certainly not cover the accident.

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Who Can You Seek Compensation From After a Ride Share Accident?

Depending on the situation, the liability may lie with the ride share company or the driver of the vehicle. Typically, if the driver is using the app at the time of the accident, then they are operating as a contractor for their respective company and are covered under their liability insurance policy. In some situations, ride share drivers may have a commercial insurance policy that will cover the accident if they were conducting business during the accident.

Car accidents involving an Uber or Lyft driver may fall into one of four scenarios:

1. The driver is involved in an accident and does NOT have the app turned on. In this scenario, the driver's personal insurance policy will cover the accident.
2. The driver does have the app turned on but does not have a passenger or is on their way to pick up a passenger. In this scenario, Uber or Lyft can cover the accident for up to $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 per person injured in the accident and up to $100,000 total injury liability per accident.
3. The driver does have the app turned on and is on their way to pick up a passenger. In this scenario, Uber or Lyft can cover the accident for up to $1 million.
4. The driver does have the app turned on and is currently transporting a passenger. In this scenario, Uber or Lyft can cover the accident for up to $1 million, plus limited coverage for the driver's car and uninsured motorist coverage.

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How much is the average Uber accident settlement?

Your Uber accident settlement amount depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident. The most important factors that are considered include:

• Who was at fault for the accident - If your Uber driver was at fault for the car accident and your injuries, you could argue for increased settlement.
• The degree of your injuries - Uber accidents involving more serious injuries that also result in other losses (i.e., loss of income) for the passenger will likely result in higher settlements.

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Is Lyft responsible for accidents?

If a Lyft driver is involved in a car accident, the driver is almost always at fault for the accident. Ridesharing companies like Lyft consider their drivers as independent contractors, but can still be held responsible in court for the accidents caused by their drivers.

Currently, both Lyft and Uber provide an insurance policy that covers drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. It provides compensation for medical costs, injuries, and deaths.

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What happens when a Lyft driver gets into an accident?

As a passenger, you should report the accident to the insurance company and seek compensation for your injuries. While Lyft provides an insurance policy that covers drivers and passengers if they are involved in an accident with another vehicle, drivers are also required to carry individual car insurance. Insurance companies have also begun to offer car insurance specific to ridesharing.

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How long can I wait to file an accident injury claim in California?

According to the California statute of limitations, you can file an accident injury claim from a car accident within six months of the accident.

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What to do after an Uber accident in Glendale?

Contact the Glendale car accident attorneys at our firm. We have extensive experience handling auto accident claims involving Uber drivers and know how to get you the compensation you are owed.

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Trust Our Team to Fight for You

Recovering compensation after an Uber, Lyft, or taxi accident is typically not an easy task. In fact, it can be incredibly difficult to simply speak to a live person from the liable party’s insurance company. At Aghabegian & Associates, PC, we are skilled negotiators and aggressive lawyers who are prepared to fight for your right to justice and fair compensation. We have helped victims with serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, secure millions of dollars. We know how to pursue these types of cases and we know what it takes to win.

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Additional Information

• How Liability Insurance Works for Rideshare Passengers